•Christians believe that God is omnipotent
•Christians believe God is omnipresent
•Christians believe God is omnibenevolent
•Christians believe in the Trinity : God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Give one mark to candidates who provide a simple definition.
Give two marks to candidates who provide a developed definition and/or an accurate example.
•The death of Jesus was part of a divine plan.
•The death of Jesus was necessary to allow the resurrection to take place.
•The crucifixion of Jesus was an act of atonement for the sins of the people.
•The crucifixion is part of the process for the redemption of humanity.
•Reference to Biblical texts; such as Luke 18:31-33
31 Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. 32 He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him and spit on him; 33 they will flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.”
To reach Band 3 [4/5 marks], candidates must write: “An excellent, coherent answer showing awareness and insight into the religious idea, belief, practice, teaching or concept. Excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies.
Uses a range of appropriate religious/specialist language and terms and sources of wisdom and authority, extensively, accurately and appropriately.”
•Christians believe heaven is to be in the presence of God.
•Christians believe that heaven will be a place of paradise.
•Christians believe heaven is a reward for a life of faith and good works.
•There is a diversity of viewpoints about heaven within different Christian traditions.
•Reference to Biblical texts such as Luke 23:43 'Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
To reach Band 4 [7/8marks], candidates must write: “An excellent highly detailed explanation showing awareness and insight into the diversity of the religious idea, belief, practice, teaching or concept. An excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies.
Use a range of religious/specialist language, terms and sources of wisdom and authority extensively, accurately and appropriately.”
Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.)
Marks for spelling, punctuation and the accurate use of grammar and specialist terminology are allocated to this question. [15 + 6]
•Christians believe Jesus was the son of God
•Christians believe Jesus was also human
•Some people believe Jesus was simply an ordinary man
•Some people do not believe Jesus performed miracles
•Christians believe Jesus was able to perform miracles
•Some people do not believe that Jesus rose from the dead
•Christians believe that Jesus rose from the dead
•Jesus was born, lived as a man and died
•Simply an historical figure
To reach Band 5 [13-15marks], candidates are required to write: “An excellent, highly detailed analysis and evaluation of the issue based on detailed knowledge of religion, religious teaching and moral reasoning to formulate judgements and present alternative or different viewpoints. An excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies. Uses and interprets religious/specialist language, terms and sources of wisdom and authority extensively, accurately and appropriately.”
•Atonement The belief that Jesus’ death on the cross healed the rift between humans and God. For Christians, Jesus’ death on the cross is an act of atonement.
The Fall, when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden destroyed the perfect relationship between humans and God and introduced sin in to the world.
Some Christians believe that because of this all people are born with sin, which they call ‘original sin’. The sins which people commit in their daily lives take them further away from God.
Give one mark to candidates who provide a simple definition.
Give two marks to candidates who provide a developed definition and/or an accurate example.
After Jesus rose from the dead He appeared to the disciples and groups of other people but the account is and after a period of time the gospels record that Jesus ascended (rose up) to his father in heaven. For Christians, it is a very significant event. It marks an end to the presence of Jesus on earth in a physical way but includes an acceptance of Jesus’ spirit at work in the world. Before he left he gave his disciples instructions called the great commission ‘to go into all the world and preach the gospel,…’ promising ‘low I am with you always’ Matthew 28. The meaning being in Jesus was going he could become available to help all Christians in different places and times.
There are different understandings of what this actually means. Some Christians believe that Jesus physically ascended to heaven in a literal sense. For other Christians this is another metaphorical story which shows how God can be real and present for all of us at any time.
In Christianity a minister sometimes blesses an individual or a group of Christians. This follows from the example of Jesus blessing his followers before ascending to heaven as described in this passage from the Gospel of Luke: 24:50–53
•Reference to Biblical texts; such as Luke 24:50–53 ‘When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.’
To reach Band 3 [4/5 marks], candidates must write: “An excellent, coherent answer showing awareness and insight into the religious idea, belief, practice, teaching or concept. Excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies.
Uses a range of appropriate religious/specialist language and terms and sources of wisdom and authority, extensively, accurately and appropriately.”
The story of Job helps Christian learn and teach answers to two questions, ‘Why do we suffer?’ and ‘Why do good and innocent people suffer so much?’ are part of this story considers the universal theme of the good person who suffers.
In the story Satan appears before God in heaven. Satan argues that Job is only good because God has blessed him. Satan challenges God to test Job and God agrees. Here Christians learn and teach that there is a force for evil in the world, sometimes characterised as the devil/satan. Traditionally the devil was believed to be a fallen angel, thrown out of heaven when he disobeyed God. However, the book also refutes the idea of ‘Karma’ or any idea that we suffer because of past sins in this life suggesting Gods creation is a wild and dangerous full of good beasts like ‘leviathan and behemoth’ but this world is still the best possible world where we can grow into his likeness.
In the story, Job receives the news that his flocks, servants and ten children have all died. Job still blesses God in his prayers. Through Job here Christians learn and teach that God has given each person free will and people must make their own choices. Some of the choices people make cause evil events and suffering. The natural and moral suffering Job experiences are a either result of the sin of others or maybe just accident of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Job questions humankind’s relationship with God. He laments the injustice of God allowing wicked people to prosper while he and other innocent people suffer so much. However, in Job 42:1–6 Job shows that though God’s ways are beyond human understanding, he has faith in God and understands his own place in the world. He says ‘I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.’ In a part of the book one dialogue partner suggests that suffering is a test and we should not question God but God does not stop his questions. This suggests that God shares in our suffering as a parent shares in the sorrows of their children as they grow up.
In the end the mystery of suffering is not solved and the message is that God can be trusted and that he does have orally permissible reasons for letting suffering happen. And that how we deal with suffering gives us the opportunity to become better people – it is soul-shaping.
To reach Band 4 [7/8marks], candidates must write: “An excellent highly detailed explanation showing awareness and insight into the diversity of the religious idea, belief, practice, teaching or concept. An excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies.
Use a range of religious/specialist language, terms and sources of wisdom and authority extensively, accurately and appropriately.”
Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.)
Marks for spelling, punctuation and the accurate use of grammar and specialist terminology are allocated to this question. [15 + 6]
For all Christians what is important is that God is the creator of the universe. They believe that whatever the exact process was that created the universe, God is the overall architect of that creation. It is the ‘spirit of God’ which is the source of all life and creation. Christians have a wide range of different views on how the Genesis account should be interpreted:
For example, there are diverse views on how the word ‘day’ in the Genesis creation story should be interpreted. A literal Christian may accept the term ‘day’ in the literal sense so that a day becomes 24 hours. They would therefore reject any scientific theory that said the universe has developed over millions of years.
Many Christians like St Augustine in the 3rd Century, however, may see the term ‘day’ as representing a longer period of time, so the six ‘days’ of creation could actually represent millions of years. This means they can believe in both the creation story and the scientific theory that the Big Bang started the development of the universe.
Fundamentalist Christians believe the story to be absolutely true in every detail. They are said to have a literal interpretation of the creation story. They read the accounts as literal descriptions, of what took place in the beginning. Special Creationists believe it describes an actual six days of creation, and the very first moment when God said ‘Let there be light.’ Such Christians may see the account as a contradiction of scientific accounts of the origin of the universe.
Other more liberal Christians believe the story is more symbolic (metaphorical) and myth-like in nature and that the account needs to be interpreted. They do not believe every detail of the story to be literally accurate or true.
Catholics believe that the Genesis accounts are teaching stories that express key beliefs about God and the universe such as: God is the only creator; everything depends on God, and humanity holds the world in trust for God. They do not read the accounts as a description of what happened at the beginning, nor believe that they contradict science.
In conclusion it seems to me that regardless of whether Christians believe in the Big Bang theory, all Christians believe that God was the ultimate creator of the universe. The biblical account of the creation in the Book of Genesis, begins: ‘In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.’ Genesis 1:1–3. To argue Genesis is a scientific text seems wrong as the text could be understood to teach flat earth theory and nobody thinks that today but this was a view Augustine had to refute. Today we no longer accept the science of Aristotle and must accept good science today to help us make sense of what the text is teaching.
To reach Band 5 [13-15marks], candidates are required to write: “An excellent, highly detailed analysis and evaluation of the issue based on detailed knowledge of religion, religious teaching and moral reasoning to formulate judgements and present alternative or different viewpoints. An excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies. Uses and interprets religious/specialist language, terms and sources of wisdom and authority extensively, accurately and appropriately.”
The problem of evil and suffering is the idea that God allows evil and suffering in the world is one of the reasons why they find it difficult to believe in God. Such people will often describe themselves as atheist (believing in no god) or agnostic (unsure whether there is a god). It appears difficult to believe in any god who allows evil and suffering in the world.
Epicurus argument was that if God is all powerful or omnipotent, then why does he not stop evil and suffering? If God is all good or omnibenevolent, then why would a god who is kind and a god of love allow evil or suffering to be created in the first place? Or allow suffering to continue? These are difficult questions for all people of faith.
Give one mark to candidates who provide a simple definition.
Give two marks to candidates who provide a developed definition and/or an accurate example.
Christians believe that Jesus was God incarnated. This means ‘God made flesh’ or God in human form. Jesus was not conceived in the same way as other humans, through sexual intercourse between a man and a woman. Mary, Jesus’ mother, was told by an angel that she would give birth to a child named Jesus. She was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus.
This passage from the Gospel of Luke describes Mary being told that she will give birth to Jesus: ‘The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favour with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.”’ Luke1:28–33 Christians believe this miracle is evidence of Jesus divine and human natures.
For many Christians there are many events or miracles from the life of Jesus which provide evidence that he was divine, as well as the miracle of the Virgin birth, such as: The voice of God at the baptism of Jesus, Jesus’ ability to perform miracles, The transfiguration of Jesus, when he was transformed in front of some of his apostles and shone with glorious light, The resurrection of Jesus.
However more important than Jesus birth for Christians is the doctrine of Jesus two natures divine and human asserted in the Nicene Creed that he is ‘truly God and Truly human’ His two natures are explained when Jesus is referred to as the Son of God, as in this passage from the Gospel of John: ‘The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.’ John 1:14
To reach Band 3 [4/5 marks], candidates must write: “An excellent, coherent answer showing awareness and insight into the religious idea, belief, practice, teaching or concept. Excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies.
Uses a range of appropriate religious/specialist language and terms and sources of wisdom and authority, extensively, accurately and appropriately.”
Christians teach that the nature of humankind is that people are made in the image of God but sinful and in need of God’s forgiveness. Humankind has a clear purpose in the creation account. People have ‘dominion’ or power over the earth but this must be exercised through stewardship on God’s behalf.
Genesis 3 describes an event which Christians call the ‘Fall’, when Adam and Eve are tempted by the devil, in the form of a serpent, to eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge against God’s will. The devil or serpent claims that the only reason God doesn’t want Adam and Eve to eat from the tree of knowledge is because it would make them as knowledgeable as God. Although Eve first resists the serpent, eventually she gives in to temptation and eats the fruit and then gives some to Adam.
They confess to God what they have done and as punishment he sends them out of the Garden of Eden to live somewhere else on the earth. They are no longer allowed to eat from the tree of life so death enters the world. This is very significant for Christians as it represents the point when the perfect relationship between humans and God was broken. A concept of inherited or original sin is first taught by St. Paul who said that “sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned.” Because of this event most Christians believe all humans are born with ‘original sin’. It is the reason why it was necessary for Jesus to die on the cross, as his death paid for human sin and restored the broken relationship with God
Because of Adam and Eve there is sin in the world. Evil and suffering are the result of our own free choices – we can choose to be good or we can choose to do evil deeds. Paul says that because he loves humans, God became human as Jesus and allowed himself to be sacrificed. By believing in him and being baptised, Christians believe that they can be cleansed of Original Sin and be forgiven for any evil choices they have made.
To reach Band 4 [7/8marks], candidates must write: “An excellent highly detailed explanation showing awareness and insight into the diversity of the religious idea, belief, practice, teaching or concept. An excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies.
Use a range of religious/specialist language, terms and sources of wisdom and authority extensively, accurately and appropriately.”
Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.)
Marks for spelling, punctuation and the accurate use of grammar and specialist terminology are allocated to this question.
The belief that Jesus had been raised from the dead became the foundation of the early Christian Church. What the early Christians taught about the resurrection can be learnt from the letters of St Paul, the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. Conservative Protestant Christians believe these texts are ’God breathed’ and Jesus resurrection is presented in them the culmination, and vindication of Jesus teaching and work of atonement. Paul says 'If Christ be not risen,' wrote St Paul, 'then is our preaching useless, and so is your faith ‘ (1 Cor. 15:14). It is the most significant belief that Christians hold because, the resurrection of Jesus is fundamental to the Christian faith as without it “you are still in your sins” (1 Cor. 15:17) meaning it is vital to the Christian faith. So it makes no sense to believe in the forgiveness of sins without the resurrection of Jesus.
Catholics argue agree that it makes sense to believe in the resurrection as it says in the Apostles Creed ‘he descended into hell and on the third day was rasied again. They might argue that the belief that Jesus rose from the dead is the greatest miracle recorded in the New Testament and is evidence that Jesus was God. The different Gospels disagree slightly on the exact events of the resurrection, but they agree that on the Sunday following Jesus’ crucifixion, some of Jesus followers went to his tomb. They found that the stone covering the mouth of the tomb rolled away and Jesus’ body was not inside.
Paul argues the multiple appearances provide evidence of the truth of Christianity. Saying For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 1 Corinthians 15:3–8.
Moreover latter Paul ague’s that Jesus resurrection is the ‘the first fruit’ that is the evidence of the truth of the final resurrection of all people which is to come at the judgement day. For Paul so important was the resurrection for Christian belief he says that ‘if Christ has not been raised we of all people are to be pitied’
However, other more liberal Christians might argue the resurrection of Jesus is a mystery beyond human understanding or language. It is something we accept by faith not by evidence and that it does not matter if there is historical evidence for it. Some would argue Jesus resurrection is a myth that along with other miracles in the Bible must be demythologised it get at its moral and spiritual truth.
While I have some sympathy with the liberal Christian view I would I would agree with the statement that if you are a Christian you ought to believe in the resurrection. The liberal view is perhaps an approach to believe in God that is death by a thousand qualifications. However there are good reasons for arguing that the resurrection is not true because we can argue the stories of the text are contractictory in there detail and that there are other plausible explanations. Perhaps the disciples stole the body and overcame the guard or maybe the women got the wrong tomb. Or perhaps there is the view of Strauss that this story is ‘the tail end of pagan mythology’ an invention of a latter writer.
To reach Band 5 [13-15marks], candidates are required to write: “An excellent, highly detailed analysis and evaluation of the issue based on detailed knowledge of religion, religious teaching and moral reasoning to formulate judgements and present alternative or different viewpoints. An excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies. Uses and interprets religious/specialist language, terms and sources of wisdom and authority extensively, accurately and appropriately.”
Resurrection The belief that Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday, conquering death. For Christians, the resurrection of Jesus is fundamental to the Christian faith. It is when Jesus rose from the dead after his crucifixion. The belief that Jesus rose from the dead is the greatest miracle recorded in the New Testament and is evidence that Jesus was God.
Jesus said 'I am the resurrection and the life he who believes in me will live even though he dies' John 11
Give one mark to candidates who provide a simple definition.
Give two marks to candidates who provide a developed definition and/or an accurate example.
The Gospel of Matthew refers to the last supper Jesus shared with his disciples before his death ‘While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:26–29.
Christians understand that Jesus is celebrating the Jewish festival of the Passover with his disciples but he gives the shared meal a new significance. He tells the disciples that the bread they are eating represents his body and the wine they are drinking represents his blood. He predicts his death on the cross and says that by sacrificing his body and blood, human sins will be forgiven. This quotation forms the basis of the Eucharist, in which Christians share bread and wine in worship today The passage also contains the promise to Christians of eternal life in heaven.
Christian’s reflect on Isaiah 53 ‘Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.’ That the suffering and death of Jesus was foretold by the prophet Isaiah, who is writing about the Messiah or ‘Chosen One’ of God for Christians, confirms that Jesus is the Messiah or the ‘Christ’.
To reach Band 3 [4/5 marks], candidates must write: “An excellent, coherent answer showing awareness and insight into the religious idea, belief, practice, teaching or concept. Excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies.
Uses a range of appropriate religious/specialist language and terms and sources of wisdom and authority, extensively, accurately and appropriately.”
For many people, the idea that God allows evil and suffering in the world is one of the reasons why they find it difficult to believe in God. Such people will often describe themselves as atheist (believing in no god) or agnostic (unsure whether there is a god). David Hume called this problem of a loving God allowing innocent people to suffer ‘the rock of atheism’
Epicurus, an ancient Greek philosopher (341–270 BCE), wrote the following about God and the idea of evil and suffering. ‘Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?’ Epicurus lived at a time when the Greeks believed in many gods but the question about the relationship of God and suffering is very well expressed in this quotation.
It appears to Atheists difficult to believe in any god who allows evil and suffering in the world. If God is all powerful or omnipotent, then why does he not stop evil and suffering? If God is all good or omnibenevolent, then why would a god who is kind and a god of love allow evil or suffering to be created in the first place? Or allow suffering to continue? These are difficult questions for all people of faith.
The problem becomes particularly difficult if as Atheist Peter Singer might we ‘extend the circile of moral worth’ include the of suffering of all sentient creatures such as animals. William Rowe argues from the ‘deer in the fire’ example to the problem of the quantity of suffering over millions of years, suggesting that the sum of such is so unimaginably high no loving God can exist.
To reach Band 4 [7/8marks], candidates must write: “An excellent highly detailed explanation showing awareness and insight into the diversity of the religious idea, belief, practice, teaching or concept. An excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies.
Use a range of religious/specialist language, terms and sources of wisdom and authority extensively, accurately and appropriately.”
Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.)
Marks for spelling, punctuation and the accurate use of grammar and specialist terminology are allocated to this question.
For Catholics and most conservative Christians, Jesus’ death on the cross is an act of atonement meaning sacrifice for sins. The Fall, when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden destroyed the perfect relationship between humans and God and introduced sin in to the world. Some Christians believe that because of this all people are born with sin, which they call ‘original sin’. The sins which people commit in their daily lives take them further away from God. They argue we need our sin taken or ‘expiated’ and right standing with God restored through an act ‘propitiation’ or appeasing Gods judgement.
Catholics and conservative Christians argue that God sent Jesus to earth to repair the broken relationship and that through his death Jesus paid the price, ‘atoned’, for human sin. This offers humankind salvation, which means they can live on for eternity with God in heaven after death. Before Jesus, the Jews often used animal sacrifices to ‘atone’ or make up for the sins they had committed. This is shown in passages of the Old Testament. ‘Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the people of Israel, and all their transgressions, all their sins; and he shall put them upon the head of the goat, and send him away into the wilderness.’ Leviticus 16:20–22
For these Christians believe that the sacrifice Jesus made by dying on the cross meant he became the sacrifice to atone for the sins of humanity. Jesus became a ‘sacrificial lamb’ to take upon himself the sin’s of the world. His sacrifice meant that there was no longer any need to sacrifice animals as he paid the price for sins once and for all.
However liberal Protestant thinkers in the Anglican, Methodist, Lutheran and Presbyterian Churches argue Jesus death was atonement but what this means was it was a moral exemplar or inspirational example that we should seek in small ways copy. The moral influence or example theory of the atonement holds that the purpose and work of Jesus Christ was to bring positive moral change to humanity. This moral change came through the teachings and example of Jesus, the Christian movement he founded, and the inspiring effect of his martyrdom and resurrection. The values and commitment Jesus demonstrated on the cross was in fact an act of revolution and protest against the evil forces of the Roman empire Jesus stood up against.
In conclusion while moral exemplar theory is one of the oldest views of the atonement in Christian theology and a prevalent view for most of Christian history, the concept of God's redemptive love in Jesus prevalent even among writers in the early church in the second and third centuries, it is not the majority view amongst Christians today. While I think this view avoids the charge of ‘cosmic child abuse’ this criticism of substitutionary atonement is weak as it doesn’t take seriously the traditional idea of the Trinity sharing one essence or nature. The traditional idea of the atonement best makes sense of the Jewish idea of sacrifice and this seems how best to understand the New Testament writers such as the author of the book of Hebrews.
To reach Band 5 [13-15marks], candidates are required to write: “An excellent, highly detailed analysis and evaluation of the issue based on detailed knowledge of religion, religious teaching and moral reasoning to formulate judgements and present alternative or different viewpoints. An excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies. Uses and interprets religious/specialist language, terms and sources of wisdom and authority extensively, accurately and appropriately.”
•Trinity: The three persons of God: God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
In beliefs about the nature of God, Christians speak of the Trinity. This is the belief that God is one but is made up of three persons: 1) God the Father 2) the Son Jesus Christ 3) the Holy Spirit (or Paraclete). Christians are often blessed in church services by a minister with a reference to this belief. Catholics will often bless themselves by making the sign of the cross and reciting this prayer. ‘In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit
Give one mark to candidates who provide a simple definition.
Give two marks to candidates who provide a developed definition and/or an accurate example.
Resurrection is the belief that Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday, conquering death. It is the most significant belief that Christians hold because for Christians, the resurrection of Jesus is fundamental to the Christian faith. It is when Jesus rose from the dead after his crucifixion.
The belief that Jesus rose from the dead is the greatest miracle recorded in the New Testament and is evidence that Jesus was God. The different Gospels disagree slightly on the exact events of the resurrection, but they agree that on the Sunday following Jesus’ crucifixion, some of Jesus followers went to his tomb. They found that the stone covering the mouth of the tomb rolled away and Jesus’ body was not inside.
Paul argues the multiple appearances provide evidence of the truth of Christianity. Saying for what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 1 Corinthians 15:3–8.
Moreover latter Paul ague’s that Jesus resurrection is the ‘the first fruit’ that is the evidence of the truth of the final resurrection of all people which is to come at the judgement day. For Paul so important was the resurrection for Christian belief he says that ‘if Christ has not been raised we of all people are to be pitied’
To reach Band 3 [4/5 marks], candidates must write: “An excellent, coherent answer showing awareness and insight into the religious idea, belief, practice, teaching or concept. Excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies.
Uses a range of appropriate religious/specialist language and terms and sources of wisdom and authority, extensively, accurately and appropriately.”
Belief in the Trinity is a core belief that makes Christianity different from other faiths. Belief in the Trinity does not mean that Christians believe in three Gods. Christians are monotheists – they believe in one God. In John 1:14 Jesus says ‘I and the Father are one’ and because Christians believe the Bible is the word of God they wanted to understand what this means to say Jesus and the Father are equal and how this could be understood. After what were latter thought false understandings of God Christians came to express their faith one God, in the Chalcedonian confession ‘we worship one God Trinity in unity, neither confounding the persons nor dividing the essence’. Which is to say that God is made up of three persons who share one essence or nature the divine. This idea is called the Trinity.
This specific language of Trinity was not in the Bible but was felt needed as there were many heterodox or wrong views that developed as orthodox or right viewed Christians tried to interpret stories like Jesus Baptism, transfiguration and especially John’s gospel idea of Jesus as the logos or Word. They felt as many seemed not faithful to Christian teaching and the Bible such as Arianism who taught Jesus was just a created being. His views would influence otherwise orthodox Christians like Tertullian who’s well-meaning analogy is a form of Arianism that the Father is like the Sun and Jesus is the ray of light and the Holy Spirit how we feel the heat.
The belief in the Trinity is found in the Apostles’ creed which Christians recite in their worship. It is very important that people do not think that Christians believe in three Gods, the Trinity is three in one, one in three. Catholic Anglican and other Christian’s today thus believe in the Trinity because it is the basis of all of the classical creeds which all confess The Trinity is God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. All the persons are equal.
Christians believe that God came to earth as Jesus and gave his life on the cross to save people from their sins. It is very difficult to understand how God could also be Jesus. The Trinity helps to explain this and also explains how God can still be experienced today. This is the Holy Spirit thus the Trinity fulfils and existential or emotional need. The Trinity also satisfies the intellectual need to coherently explains thus how God can be personal, transcendent and immanent at the same time.
To reach Band 4 [7/8marks], candidates must write: “An excellent highly detailed explanation showing awareness and insight into the diversity of the religious idea, belief, practice, teaching or concept. An excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies.
Use a range of religious/specialist language, terms and sources of wisdom and authority extensively, accurately and appropriately.”
Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.)
Marks for spelling, punctuation and the accurate use of grammar and specialist terminology are allocated to this question.
Christians do believe that God both of the Old Testament and New is all loving. ‘But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.’ Psalm 86:15
Psalms 86 was attributed to King David and in the quotation the writer expresses the idea that God is merciful and is rich in love. ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.’ John 3:16 Yet Christian believe innocent people really suffer and accept this is a challenge to their faith.
Agnostics and Atheists like David Hume agree with the statement suggesting that God cannot be all-loving if he lets so much suffering and evil happen in the world. Hume calls this the ‘rock of atheism’. If God cared for us he wouldn’t let us suffer in pain or be in pain for a certain time period. Also he wouldn’t let us suffer by people dying if they are close loved ones. Epicurus argued this fist in a riddle suggesting we shouldn’t have to put up with evil. If God was all-loving then God should get rid of all evil and allow us to live good, long and happy lives. Evil can lead to events such as murder and if God really loved his people he would stop them from dying. Also God allows natural disasters to happen showing he isn’t loving allowing them to destroy God’s creation.
If God is all powerful Epicurus continued to argue then he would be able to do something about all the evil in the world but he doesn’t so he isn’t all powerful or isn’t all loving. Few people would want to worship an evil God and so some more liberal Christians agree that perhaps God is weak perhaps not knowing the future or being unable to stop natural disasters. They suggest that Jesus was ‘God crucified’ showing that God is limited and suffers with us in our pain but he like us is unable to stop it. This view may be attractive or with Epicurus we could draw the conclusion that ‘maybe God just doesn’t exist.
Christians disagree with the statement because of reason of free will. This theodicy or reason for suffering suggests that God gave us the great gift of free will, the ability to choose and have our own independent decisions. For this to happen though we need evil for contrast and choice. It is because God loves us that we have evil. For Augustine it was the choice of the first people Adam and evil to turn to evil away from Gods good and perfect world that has brought suffering both moral and natural on us. However it will be through Jesus redemption and return that evil and then suffering will be ended. Other Christian’s especially Catholics argue that suffering can help us gain experiences and grow into better people. Suffering can bring out the best in people Suffering lets us gain more experiences and grow into better people morally. Irenaeus in his theodicy argues emotions such as compassion can be drawn out and we can relate to others who are suffering making us better people.
Atheists would respond that we shouldn’t have to suffer whether it makes us a better or worse person. That the only emotions suffering brings out are pain, sadness and fear. That it can’t possibly be doing anything good for us. Suffering if anything can only make us worse people.
The book of Job provides a ‘case study’ in the problem of evil, in it Job is declared righteous by God and Satan and job defends his innocent when it is maligned by his dialogue partners. The book of job refutes the idea that we suffer because of past sins as in Karma. Job says ‘I am pure, I have done no wrong; I am clean and free from sin.’ Job 33:9. The book however while suggesting some of theodicies above ends with the view that we must trust that God has morally permissible reasons for suffering.
In conclusion I would argue that God does love us even though there is evil because we need it for free will and to grow emotionally. Jobs theodicy while the oldest I think makes a strong argument as it doesn’t seem to me impossible that God has good reasons for permitting suffering- I’m not sure how we would know otherwise. In Jesus death we see evidence that God is all-loving ‘for God so loved the world that he gave His son’ even though he doesn’t stop all the evil and suffering in the world. I think that if He was no longer limited at least by free will God would help us as he does love us but God cannot interfere with the way of life. If God didn’t let us suffer then we would not then be limited and things would not be the same. It’s the way of life that he has to let us suffer and can’t interfere in what is happening. God loves us all equally and would help us not suffer if we didn’t.
To reach Band 5 [13-15marks], candidates are required to write: “An excellent, highly detailed analysis and evaluation of the issue based on detailed knowledge of religion, religious teaching and moral reasoning to formulate judgements and present alternative or different viewpoints. An excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies. Uses and interprets religious/specialist language, terms and sources of wisdom and authority extensively, accurately and appropriately.”
•The belief that Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday, conquering death meaning all believers can have hope they to will enjoy life resurrection. For example, Jesus says in John 11 ‘I am the resurrection and the life he who believes in me even though he dies yet will he live.’
Give one mark to candidates who provide a simple definition.
Give two marks to candidates who provide a developed definition and/or an accurate example.
Christians believe that the Spirit was involved in creation. “The Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” (Genesis 1:1–2)The Spirit of God gave vital life to the vast creation, the term waters, signifies the vast expanse of creation, illustrated by the boundless expanse of the “waters”.
The Spirit, whose omniscience (all present) and omnipotence (all-powerful) maintains life and order in the universe. The Spirit was for Christians 'the breadth of God' that entered Adam, inspired the prophets creating the law and wisdom, moved miraculously to conceived Jesus in Mary's womb and was 'poured out on all flesh' as Joel prophecies on the day of Pentecost creating the church.
Moreover Christa ions believe while we have an eternal spirit which will spend an eternity in heaven or hell. The Spirit of the Creator is also eternal, because we are made in his image we are eternal as a spirit. We have the ability to choose good from evil because we have a spirit and free will like our Creator the Holy Spirit.
To reach Band 3 [4/5 marks], candidates must write: “An excellent, coherent answer showing awareness and insight into the religious idea, belief, practice, teaching or concept. Excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies.
Uses a range of appropriate religious/specialist language and terms and sources of wisdom and authority, extensively, accurately and appropriately.”
For all Christians what is important is that God is the creator of the universe. They believe that whatever the exact process was that created the universe, God is the overall architect of that creation. It is the ‘spirit of God’ which is the source of all life and creation. Christians have a wide range of different views on how the Genesis account should be interpreted: For example, there are diverse views on how the word ‘day’ in the Genesis creation story should be interpreted.
A literal Christian may accept the term ‘day’ in the literal sense so that a day becomes 24 hours. They would therefore reject any scientific theory that said the universe has developed over millions of years. Many Christians like St Augustine in the 3rd Century, however, may see the term ‘day’ as representing a longer period of time, so the six ‘days’ of creation could actually represent millions of years. This means they can believe in both the creation story and the scientific theory that the Big Bang started the development of the universe.
Fundamentalist Christians believe the story to be absolutely true in every detail. They are said to have a literal interpretation of the creation story. They read the accounts as literal descriptions, of what took place in the beginning. Special Creationists believe it describes an actual six days of creation, and the very first moment when God said ‘Let there be light.’ Such Christians may see the account as a contradiction of scientific accounts of the origin of the universe. Other more liberal Christians believe the story is more symbolic (metaphorical) and myth-like in nature and that the account needs to be interpreted. They do not believe every detail of the story to be literally accurate or true.
Catholics believe that the Genesis accounts are teaching stories that express key beliefs about God and the universe such as: God is the only creator; everything depends on God, and humanity holds the world in trust for God. They do not read the accounts as a description of what happened at the beginning, nor believe that they contradict science.
To reach Band 4 [7/8marks], candidates must write: “An excellent highly detailed explanation showing awareness and insight into the diversity of the religious idea, belief, practice, teaching or concept. An excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies.
Use a range of religious/specialist language, terms and sources of wisdom and authority extensively, accurately and appropriately.”
Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.)
Marks for spelling, punctuation and the accurate use of grammar and specialist terminology are allocated to this question.
More liberal protestant Christians agree with this statement because while suffering may not have a point but how we respond does. God is they think all loving they do not think God is all powerful. In Process theology God cannot see or significantly affect future events and such Christians are likely to say that God actually suffers alongside us. They emphasis the Jesus is ‘God crucified’ an event even he could not stop. However, God they say partners with us to in a create process of redemption of the universe and needs our help.
This is a bad point because it rejects the idea of the historic creedal claims that God is all powerful and all knowing. One might ask is such a God worthy of worship? Indeed if suffering is not in any way part of his plan how can we have any confidence in partnering with him? This view seems to reject the traditional idea of the miraculous especially the resurrection of Jesus and his other miracles about which Paul said ‘if Jesus has not been raised your faith is in vain’
For Catholics suffering has a purpose because suffering the price humans pay for free will. God has given people free will. He has shown people how they should obey the Ten Commandments and follow Jesus' life and teaching. It is then up to human beings to decide whether or not to follow God's instructions. God has a plan for people's lives that they may not always understand. This may include evil and suffering but Christians should trust and have faith in God's plan. God wants people to follow the example of Jesus and help those who are suffering. God must have a reason for allowing evil and suffering but the reason is beyond human understanding. Christians also pray for those who suffer and try to help them. Evil and suffering in this life is a preparation for heaven. Evil and suffering give people a chance to become better people and improve their souls. They believe that God will reward them in heaven.
Protestants would argue with Augustine that evil is the result of Adam and Eve's disobedience to God. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit. God punished Adam and Eve for their actions, and the punishment was to endure suffering in life. This is known as 'the fall'. Agustine taught believe that all people inherited the tendency to sin from Adam and Eve. This belief is called original sin. According to this belief, all humans are born with a tendency towards evil and the ability to cause suffering.
In Genesis it states: ...the intent of man's heart is evil from his youth.Genesis 8: 21
Most Christians also believe that as well as a power for good (God) there is also a power for evil. Christians refer to the power for evil as Satan or the Devil. Satan is traditionally thought to have been an archangel who disobeyed God and so was thrown out of heaven. The book of Job suggests this is the case as God permited Satan to inflict pain on him.
This is not a good point as its hard for modern people to belive in Angels and demons 'in the age of the electric lightbulb and tooth brush'.
To reach Band 5 [13-15marks], candidates are required to write: “An excellent, highly detailed analysis and evaluation of the issue based on detailed knowledge of religion, religious teaching and moral reasoning to formulate judgements and present alternative or different viewpoints. An excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies. Uses and interprets religious/specialist language, terms and sources of wisdom and authority extensively, accurately and appropriately.”
•The idea of the incarnation is the Christian belief that God became a human, and took on human flesh.
in John 1:1 it says 'in the beginning was the word and teh word was with God and teh word became flesh and made his dwelling amonst us
Give one mark to candidates who provide a simple definition.
Give two marks to candidates who provide a developed definition and/or an accurate example.
Christians often say that suffering and evil are due to free will which is a ‘gift from God’. This means that moral evil is due to the greed of others or even because of a person’s own decisions.
The Book of Job also teaches that suffering may be a test of faith and that at the end we shall be rewarded. It also stresses that our suffering may be part of a bigger plan which God knows as ‘he holds the life of every creature in his hand’ but we as mere humans cannot begin to comprehend.
To reach Band 3 [4/5 marks], candidates must write: “An excellent, coherent answer showing awareness and insight into the religious idea, belief, practice, teaching or concept. Excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies.
Uses a range of appropriate religious/specialist language and terms and sources of wisdom and authority, extensively, accurately and appropriately.”
For most Christians crucifixion of Jesus is important because in this way the ‘rift’ between humanity and God because of the original sin is healed. Jesus was in effect the ‘lamb of God’ or the sacrificial lamb for humanity so his crucifixion is incredible important as he atoned for humanity’s sins. It is also important in this way as he means Christians no longer have to carry out animal sacrifices like in Jewish tradition. His crucifixion is also important as it means Christians are now able to have a close and personal relationship with God. His crucifixion was also important as Christians can now reach heaven as stated in the Bible ‘that whoever believes in him (Jesus) shall have eternal life’. Belief in his crucifixion is also important in reaching heaven as Jesus stated ‘no one can come to the Father unless through me’.
Most denominations of Christianity teach that Jesus’ crucifixion happened just as described in the Bible showing that God sacrificed Jesus, his only son, to atone for the sins of humanity. Jesus’ crucifixion has fulfilled Old Testament prophecies. As the soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ clothes, Matthew’s readers would remember the words of Psalm 22:18, “They divided my garments among themselves and cast lots for my clothing.” Jesus was crucified with two thieves, fulfilling a prophecy of Isaiah. That God’s suffering servant would be treated like a criminal. However for some Unitarian and Quaker Christians who not believe that Jesus was the son of God, the crucifixion is not of significance. For these Christians, the Eucharist, which celebrates Jesus’ crucifixion, is not a feature of their worship.
Traditional Christians believe the strange events, when Jesus died are symbolic: Matthew records that during this time “darkness came over all the land”. This darkness may have had a natural cause, but it is most likely symbolic - the crucifixion of God’s son is one of the darkest times in history. In the Old Testament darkness was a sign of God’s judgement, and one of the ten plagues that God sent to Egypt was darkness that covered the land for three days. The prophet Amos also spoke of God’s judgement and that darkness would fall in the middle of the day. As he was dying, Jesus cried out in his spoken language of Aramaic, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” This translates as “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus was quoting from Psalm 22 and it sounds as if he is in despair and feeling totally abandoned, even by God. However, the psalm ends in triumph, acknowledging God as king. When Jesus cried out for a final time, he knew that he had done God’s will and that his life was ending in triumph. “The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom” – The temple curtain hung between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies, where the Jews believed God dwelt. Only the high priest, once a year on the Day of Atonement, could ever go behind the curtain into God’s presence. On this day, the sins of the whole nation were forgiven, ready for the start of the new year. The destruction of the curtain symbolises that God is no longer to be thought of as living behind a curtain in the Jewish temple, accessible only through the high priest. With the death of Jesus, forgiveness of sins is now available to everyone. Ordinary men and women can now approach God directly. “The earth shook and the rocks split” – This shows the power of God at work in the world (Matthew records that there was also an earthquake at the resurrection). “The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life” – Jesus’ death is not the end because God has power over death and will raise Jesus to life. This eternal life is also promised to all people who have faith in Jesus.
To reach Band 4 [7/8marks], candidates must write: “An excellent highly detailed explanation showing awareness and insight into the diversity of the religious idea, belief, practice, teaching or concept. An excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies.
Use a range of religious/specialist language, terms and sources of wisdom and authority extensively, accurately and appropriately.”
Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.)
Marks for spelling, punctuation and the accurate use of grammar and specialist terminology are allocated to this question.
Some may agree as it is Jesus’ death and resurrection that atoned for the original sin and this means the ‘rift’ between humanity and God was healed. Therefore belief in the death and resurrection of Jesus is necessary for receiving eternal life as it was his sacrifice that allowed for humans to reach heaven. ‘I am the resurrection believe in me and you shall have eternal life’.
However, a Jewish person may disagree as they believe Jesus to have been a normal person and therefore his death could not have resulted in a resurrection and thus believing in this myth will not gain you entry to heaven.
A Christian may disagree as the Bible states ‘that whoever believes in him shall have eternal life’, implying that one must believe in Jesus’ death and resurrection to receive ‘eternal life’ in heaven. However this could also be interpreted to mean that all that is required for eternal life is belief in Jesus and therefore believing in his death and resurrection are not necessary.
Also a Christian may also disagree as they may believe it is our good deeds that shall reward us with life in heaven. Jesus told his disciples this in the parable of the sheep and goats and said ‘I was hungry and you gave me something to eat’ in order to explain how he would sort people on judgement day. Therefore it is your good deeds that will gift you eternal life.
In conclusion, I disagree with the statement and believe it is your intentions and deeds that control whether or not you enter heaven. This is supported by the Muslim belief that the ‘noble scribes’ Raqib and Atid record your niyyah and deeds is the book of Deeds. It is this book that is presented to Allah on the day of judgement and this book that will aid his decision on whether or not you shall reach Jannah.
To reach Band 5 [13-15marks], candidates are required to write: “An excellent, highly detailed analysis and evaluation of the issue based on detailed knowledge of religion, religious teaching and moral reasoning to formulate judgements and present alternative or different viewpoints. An excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies. Uses and interprets religious/specialist language, terms and sources of wisdom and authority extensively, accurately and appropriately.”
Many Christians believe that after death, they will be taken into the presence of God and they will be judged for the deeds they have done or failed to do during their lifetime.
Some Christians believe that this judgement will happen when they die. Others believe that there will be a Day of Judgement at the end of time, when everybody will be judged at the same time. Some believe that judgement will happen in two stages: an initial personal judgement when you die, followed by the definitive judgement at the end of time.
Give one mark to candidates who provide a simple definition.
Give two marks to candidates who provide a developed definition and/or an accurate example.
The Bible teaches Christians that God created humans in his image: So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27). This does not mean that humans physically have the same appearance as God. Instead, they have certain characteristics that they share with God, such as being loving. For Christians, this shows how important all humans are to God and explains their special relationship with him. It is also a reminder to them that humans should try to show love and forgiveness just as God does.
Christians believe that when the physical body dies, a non-physical part of the person continues to live on. This is known as the soul. When Genesis describes creation it shows God creating humans as both soul and body- Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.Genesis 2:7 Because God breathed life into Adam, many Christians believe that every person has a non-physical, spiritual dimension that connects them with God. This is known as the soul. Many Christians believe that the soul lives on after a person’s earthly life has ended. For Christians, this sets humans apart from the rest of creation, which God simply commanded into being.
Many Christians see this part of Genesis as evidence that humans have dominion, or power, over God’s creation. Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' (Genesis 1:26) However, this does not mean that humanity should exploit the Earth’s resources. Most Christians believe that humanity’s purpose is to look after the world that God has created like caretakers (or stewards), because creation belongs to God, not people. This is known as stewardship.
To reach Band 3 [4/5 marks], candidates must write: “An excellent, coherent answer showing awareness and insight into the religious idea, belief, practice, teaching or concept. Excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies.
Uses a range of appropriate religious/specialist language and terms and sources of wisdom and authority, extensively, accurately and appropriately.”
The Christian holy book is the Bible. The Bible can be used during worship and in various ceremonies and rites of passage. The Bible is a central source of authority for all Christian and reveals many important teachings. Christians often turn to the Bible to seek guidance and understand the history of their faith. Christians believe the Bible to be the word of God, and different denominations of Christians interpret the Bible in different ways.
The Bible has many different uses for Christians. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.2 Timothy 3:16-17 It can be seen as a guidebook for life where Christians can turn to for advice, guidance and reassurance. As the Bible is classed as the Word of God, some of the teachings within it are classed as absolute law. An absolute law is one that must be followed at all times, such as the Ten Commandments. Because these are laws set down by God, then they must be obeyed. An example of an absolute law found in the Bible is "You shall not murder". Most Christians would believe that this law should be kept in all circumstances, including issues such as abortion and euthanasia.
The Bible records the teachings of Jesus during his life. These teachings give Christians guidance and instructions on how to live their life. The Sermon on the Mount is an example of a collection of such teachings. The Bible tells Christians about the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. All of these events have significance, and in particular they are linked to the idea of salvation.
The Bible is used by Christians to give them guidance about how they can live their their lives in the way God would want them to. There is guidance in the Bible on many areas of life and Christians will turn to this advice when they are faced with a dilemma. The Bible plays a key role during rites of passage and ceremonies. In each ceremony there will be readings from the Bible. The scripture passages chosen will link the ceremonies to the life and teaching of Christ, eg: the story of Jesus’ baptism will be read during a christening ceremony, where the priest, vicar or minister may choose a passage about the importance of entering into the Christian faith and what it means to be a Christian Or during a marriage ceremony, passages about love and honouring your husband or wife are often read, eg Love is patient, love is kind. It does not boast, it is not proud... - 1 Corinthians 13:4 Passages from the Bible are read in funeral services to provide comfort to the loved ones of the deceased, eg So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand - Isaiah 41:10
To reach Band 4 [7/8marks], candidates must write: “An excellent highly detailed explanation showing awareness and insight into the diversity of the religious idea, belief, practice, teaching or concept. An excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies.
Use a range of religious/specialist language, terms and sources of wisdom and authority extensively, accurately and appropriately.”
Many Christians agree and have rejected older more literal views of hell. They teach that hell is eternal separation from God. This separation results from the deliberate rejection of any relationship with him. So hell is not what God decides for people. It is not what God wants. It is down to human free choice. However, the weakness of this view is that it assumes that hell does not exist and if hell does exist then such more literal views are not out of date.
Many Christians who believe in hell would argue: “God predestines no one to go to hell; for this, a wilful turning away from God…is necessary and persistence in it until the end.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church) This is the traditional view of the eth Catholic church and is a strong view as it is the one the bible depicts. Jesus describes hell as a place of unquenchable fire. Again, this is a metaphor but it led to the most horrific paintings in the Middle Ages. As a way of frightening people into obeying the rules of the Church, some artists painted nightmarish scenes of devils tearing people apart and eating them. However this is a weak argument as the Bible might be considered only peoples words about God and such ideas do not reflect the idea of a God as all loving and forgiving.
Some Christian reject any idea of hell because they think its existence would mean that God’s love would not triumph over evil. They think that ultimately everyone will respond to God’s love and that whatever evil things people may have done, they will repent and be forgiven. This belief is called universalism. THis is supported by the bible where its says: In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.John 14:1-4 This is a strong view as it reflects a more flexible and symbolic modern view of hell as just some people living terrible lives.
FInally Jesus said The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented…Luke 16:22 maybe his words are out of date but if he is returning to judge the living and the deed as the creed says it would be better to be consistent with his teaching rather than face judgement. Since God has given human beings free will, there must be an opportunity for people to reject God. This is the basis of the idea of Hell. The creeds teach I believe in life everlasting. Apostles Creed and that Jesus is coming back to judge so maybe this is a strong viewpoint.
To reach Band 5 [13-15marks], candidates are required to write: “An excellent, highly detailed analysis and evaluation of the issue based on detailed knowledge of religion, religious teaching and moral reasoning to formulate judgements and present alternative or different viewpoints. An excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies. Uses and interprets religious/specialist language, terms and sources of wisdom and authority extensively, accurately and appropriately.”
Reconciliation between God and humans. Atonement, as the word suggests, comes from ‘at-one-ment’: being in harmony with someone. Christians use it to describe how by paying the price for human sin, Jesus’ death repaired the broken relationship between humans and God. It refers to the forgiving or pardoning of sin, especially original sin, through the death and resurrection of Jesus, allowing God to be reconciled with his creation. However, there are three different understandings of how exactly Jesus’ death brought about atonement and salvation in Christianity
The Catholic Church teaches that Christ offered himself as a sacrifice for human sin in an act of love. So Jesus’ death on the cross made ‘satisfaction’ for our sins. Evangelical Protestants’ understanding of how Jesus’ death led to atonement is often known as the Protestant ‘penal substitution theory’. Most liberal Protestants believe that the way Jesus brought about atonement was by acting as a moral example to humanity. They believe that through his teachings, the example he set in his life and most of all through his death on the cross Jesus showed God’s love for humankind.
Give one mark to candidates who provide a simple definition.
Give two marks to candidates who provide a developed definition and/or an accurate example.
Salvation means to be saved from sin and the consequences of sin. Christians believe they need salvation from sin is important because sin stops people from having a proper relationship with God. Some Christians believe that sin entered the world through the ‘original sin’ of Adam and Eve when they ignored God’s command not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil / the result of disobedience was separation from God, and death (Genesis 2 & 3). Christians believe that salvation from sin comes from the life and teachings of Jesus. St Paul explains this in Romans 6:23: ‘The wages of sin is death, but God’s free gift is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord’ so all Christians believe that Jesus saved people from sin (atonement) by his death on the cross.
Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians believe that Jesus brings salvation through the sacraments of the Church and with out such there is no salvation. For Christians, the fact that God sacrificed his only son is clear proof of his omnibenevolent nature. The Apostles’ Creed states that Christians believe in a God who forgives sins and makes eternal life possible: I believe in… the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Apostles’ Creed. The Roman Catholic Catchcism says 'with out baptism salbvation is impossible.'
Protestants argue that salvation is through 'Faith Alone' sola fides (Luther) and not through the prayers of saints and priests. They miight quote Peter who says (Acts 4:12) that salvation exists through Jesus and no one else: ‘there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.’ Further St Paul summarises Jesus’ role in salvation by saying: ‘If you say with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord”, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.’ (Romans 10:9-10).
To reach Band 3 [4/5 marks], candidates must write: “An excellent, coherent answer showing awareness and insight into the religious idea, belief, practice, teaching or concept. Excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies.
Uses a range of appropriate religious/specialist language and terms and sources of wisdom and authority, extensively, accurately and appropriately.”
Christians believe that God has always existed as judge over his creation. God’s judgement is a process that ends in a decision about whether a person is worthy of his reward (Heaven) or not (Hell). Paul says “For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due to us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10) Conservative Christians emphasised people are judged and go to either Heaven or Hell, depending on their actions in their earthly life. Further there are no second chances. Once a person dies, they cannot be judged again. The Pope said ‘hell is real and it is forever’. Moreover People must follow the guidance given in the scriptures and follow God’s law in order to be worthy of Heaven. The Bible contains the guidance that Christians need to live a good life. It teaches us about God's commandments, which are the rules that we must follow in order to be pleasing to Him. It also teaches us about the importance of love, compassion, and forgiveness. If we want to be worthy of Heaven, we must follow the guidance given in the scriptures and live our lives according to God's law.
Roman Catholics and conservative protestants believe that God judges each soul as soon as a person’s body dies. Souls are then sent straight to Heaven or Hell, rather than waiting for a Day of Judgement. 'I believe in the judgement' (Apostels creed) This is called personal judgement. This is reflected in the story of the rich man and Lazarus. In the Gospel of Luke (16:19–31), Jesus tells how a rich man ignored a poor beggar at his gate, named Lazarus, who was starving and covered in sores. When both men died, Lazarus went to Heaven. The rich man, having shown no compassion, went to Hell. In the agony of Hell, the rich man begged Father Abraham for mercy. His request was refused. He then asked whether Abraham could send a messenger to warn his family and friends to show compassion during their lives, so that they could avoid the same fate. Again, his request was refused. Abraham replied that they already had the words of several prophets in the scriptures to warn them. He said that if they could not follow these words, they would not believe a messenger either: If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead. (Luke 16:31) For conservatives this shows Hell is a place of eternal suffering and pain and that people must be kind and compassionate to those less fortunate than themselves if they are to be worthy of Heaven. One of the most important things that Christians can do to live a good life is to be kind and compassionate to those less fortunate than themselves.
Roman Catholics and conservative protestants also believe that people will be judged again at the Last Judgement, at the end of time. Others believe that all souls must wait until the Day of Judgement, when they will be judged together. This teaching is reflected in the Parable of the Sheep and Goats - Matthew 25:31–46. In the text it says He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.’ (Matthew 25:33–34) Where the sheep represent everybody who has helped those in need or given back to the world in some way. The goats represent those who have acted in an unkind or selfish way. This means that the sheep (the good people) will be allowed a place in Heaven because they have been helpful and kind, giving the hungry food or the thirsty something to drink. Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. (Matthew 25:41) This means that the goats (the bad people) will go to Hell because they did not show a caring side and ignored those in need.
To reach Band 4 [7/8marks], candidates must write: “An excellent highly detailed explanation showing awareness and insight into the diversity of the religious idea, belief, practice, teaching or concept. An excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies.
Use a range of religious/specialist language, terms and sources of wisdom and authority extensively, accurately and appropriately.”
The Bible is the sacred text of Christianity. Many believe that the Holy Spirit inspired or directed the writers, so for them has God’s authority. The Bible is the most important source of authority for most Christians. It is the foundation of their faith and the source of their beliefs. Literalists go further and believe that the Bible should be taken literally and has ultimate authority, so its instructions still apply directly to Christians today (eg on homosexual behaviour). The Bible contains the story of God's relationship with humanity, from the creation of the world to the coming of Jesus Christ. It also contains the teachings of Jesus, which Christians believe are the way to salvation. Protestants view the Bible as the source of all necessary teaching (sola scriptura). Paul says "All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17) meaning it is the word of God. Further for conservative protestants "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God will stand forever." (Isaiah 40:8) meaning it is the only dependable source. It is practically usuful as it says "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) These quotes all emphasize the importance of the Bible as a source of wisdom and authority for Christians. The Bible is not just a book of stories or a collection of rules. It is the word of God, and it is the source of all truth for Christians.
The strength of holding such a high view of the Bible is that it offers clear moral guidance that anyone can read for themselves in their own language. Further this has been the religious experiences of many Christians who read the Bible for themselves and say it comes alive as the Holy Spirit. John Calvin also support the priority of the Bile over church tradition and personal experience when he said "Personal experience is a powerful teacher, but it can also be misleading. We must always test our experiences against the truth of the Bible."
However there are many different Christian sources of wisdom and authority, but the Bible is the most important. Other sources of wisdom and authority include the teachings of the Church, the writings of Christian theologians, and personal experience. However, the Bible is always the ultimate authority for Christians. Paul says "The Church is the pillar and foundation of the truth." (1 Timothy 3:15) The Catholic Church teaches that it needs appropriate interpretation provided by the tradition of the Church, so in that sense only takes its authority from the Church, which has passed on God’s teachings through the Apostolic tradition. The Bible contains the life and teachings of Jesus, God incarnate, so its authority comes from God through Jesus Christ. Christians model their lives on Christ’s words and actions, so the Bible is their source for living.
This is a strong argument as Tertullian a church Father said "The writings of the ancient fathers are like stars in the night sky, guiding us on our journey." It was a latter development of Luther to be Bible only or Sola Scriptura.
However, Liberals believe that the Bible documents human experience of God, so its authority is only human: it needs interpretation for today. It contains different kinds of literature, and therefore different kinds of authority. Neo-orthodoxy teaches that the authority of the Bible comes not from the text itself, but from the way Christians experience the presence of God through the text. Quakers say we should ‘follow the voice within’.
This is a strong argument as texts that seem to promote war etc are bad sources for ethical living. It is rooted in a time and place that is no longer relevant, so has limited authority for Christians today. The Gospel accounts are sometimes contradictory so it may be unclear which teaching is authoritative.
To reach Band 5 [13-15marks], candidates are required to write: “An excellent, highly detailed analysis and evaluation of the issue based on detailed knowledge of religion, religious teaching and moral reasoning to formulate judgements and present alternative or different viewpoints. An excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies. Uses and interprets religious/specialist language, terms and sources of wisdom and authority extensively, accurately and appropriately.”
Jesus tells the disciples to glorify God and Christians are modern disciples. This is confusing because it suggests God is a selfish, showy being, and it’s hard to have a personal relationship with that kind of God. However, by glorifying God, Christians recognise that he is transcendent and superior to them in every way. God is also all-loving, and so enables people to have a personal relationship with him.
The purpose of preparing for judgement is confusing because there are different views about judgement. Some Christians believe in a literal judgement day, others believe in ongoing judgement (eg Hick’s soul-making theodicy). Some (eg Catholics) believe people can do things to contribute to salvation; others (eg some Protestants) believe that nothing influences God’s choice. However, the confusion is only in details, because all agree that living a good life is necessary and share many ethical principles.
God created humans to have both dominion and stewardship, which may be seen as contradictory ideas. Dominion allows the use, abuse and waste of natural resources and other species; stewardship implies looking after and preserving the world. Christians should bring about God’s kingdom. Some believe that Christ will return in the future to bring God’s kingdom, others that humans can create it in the present. However, all agree that living well and caring for the world promotes God’s kingdom.
To reach Band 5 [13-15marks], candidates are required to write: “An excellent, highly detailed analysis and evaluation of the issue based on detailed knowledge of religion, religious teaching and moral reasoning to formulate judgements and present alternative or different viewpoints. An excellent understanding of how belief influences individuals, communities and societies. Uses and interprets religious/specialist language, terms and sources of wisdom and authority extensively, accurately and appropriately.”